The busy Federal Member for Nicholls graciously agreed to meet me for an informal chat, and joining us was his policy advisor Darren Linton.
Married to Lisa and the father of two young children, Mr Birrell was raised in Murchison North.
He attended university, where he completed an Agricultural Science degree before commencing work as an agronomist.
He understands his electorate, the land and its people.
While relatively new to politics, he is determined to do whatever he can to ensure the region thrives and provides strong educational and economic opportunities through positive pathways for young people.
The Division of Nicholls covers an area of 14,768sqkm with an electorate of 111,134 (as of June 2019).
The electorate is considerable in size and consists of Campaspe, Greater Shepparton and Moira Shires and part of Mitchell and Strathbogie Shire Councils and, understandably, Mr Birrell spends much of his time on the road getting to know his constituents.
Mr Birrell has been taking part in training at football clubs throughout the electorate, getting a feel of each club and the position it plays in the community.
The MP is highly approachable and, as a member of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, will continue to listen and learn and, hopefully, when the next election (2025) comes about, will hold the position of power where he can put in place programs that will take the regions’ development a step ahead.
Thank you, Sam and Darren for your time last week.
Steve’s on the mend
It undoubtedly appears that Steve Luke is one of the most popular people in town, as hardly a day goes by when people don’t inquire about his welfare.
While recovery is somewhat slow after his recent accident, his spirits continue to remain high.
After some weeks in hospital in Shepparton and Cobram, Steve is doing all he can to ensure he gets back on his feet and returns to work.
The courteous and likeable customer service employee at Woolworths was the unfortunate victim of a vehicle incident in the supermarket car park while performing his daily tasks.
With great help from his wife Fiona and two sons, Steve is doing well, but it will be quite some time before he is fit enough to return to work.
With a strong will and can-do attitude, this popular identity will undoubtedly return to the job.
Cobram Apex hosts a three-way link for 60th reunion
Cobram Barooga Apex Club last week hosted the 60th reunion of a three-way link between its club and clubs from Neath in Wales and Pretoria in South Africa.
The finest in country hospitality was evident in every way as 16 overseas visitors enjoyed the total experience of a fantastic 10-day trip ‘down under’ hosted by current and former Apexians.
From a curry dinner at Apex House on their first night to a visit to the Albury races, a boat cruise on the Murray River, a bus trip to view the Silo Art Trail, a bus to Beechworth and a two-night stay to view the many outstanding sights in the area, lunch at Squires Winery, Tocumwal Air Museum, down time with a casual stroll about town, Cactus Country which was of great interest to many of the visitors and a stunning formal dinner at the Beach Cafe catered for by new business Longhouse Catering, all added up to a fantastic insight into life in a small Victorian country town.
One delighted visitor billeted with an Apex family walked each morning around Quinn Island and became enthralled by the scenery and animal and bird life.
Putting into perspective, the difference in the population of the towns or cities where the three clubs are situated is considerable: Cobram is purported to have a population of 6166.
Neath in Wales has a population of about 50,658. Pretoria is one of three capital cities in South Africa — a total population of 2.818 million and where the president’s office is located.
Apex began in Australia in 1931 when three young architects, Ewan Laird, Langham Proud and John Buchan, made a decision to contribute to their community of Geelong and created a triangular emblem for the group they formed, which is readily identifiable as Apex Australia.
By Christmas of their first year, not only was the club flourishing, but other clubs had been established in Albury, Ballarat, Camperdown and Warrnambool. Over the past seven decades since its inception, Apex has chartered 1000 local groups with 200,000 young Australians aged 18-45 years contributing to their communities.
Round Table Clubs were founded in Great Britain and Ireland in 1927 for young men aged 18 -45.
They focused on social networking and charities and became a worldwide organisation. It promoted friendship both nationally and internationally.
The Cobram Apex Club was formed some years later.
In 1962, Cobram member Ray Longley sought to establish goodwill with international clubs and sent letters to Round Table members throughout Africa, Europe, United States and the United Kingdom about a formal link between Cobram and themselves.
A three-way link was eventually formed and has remained until this time, with strong friendships formed between like-minded people from across the oceans.
Each year, two members from the three links are selected to travel to each of the other two clubs, continuing a solid association.
The three-way link has enabled members to establish a strong understanding of one another and their culture and bridged gaps that otherwise may never have been achieved.
In Cobram, the young members of Cobram Barooga Apex Club are vital to the community.
They are willing to fundraise and help organisations within the town and district and are valued for their continuing efforts.
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